Location Location Location

As you're formulating the loose vision we've been talking about, the location of the "big shoot" is something to consider. There's the obvious parks and beaches but there are lots of other outdoor locations to consider. I personally love cool architecture so if that's your thing too, brainstorm a little about the possibilities in your area. One year I took my daughter (when I only had one) to the local Museum and let her play around on the steps out in front. It's a gorgeous old brick building with dark wood doors and some other interesting elements. The photo looked so cool and nothing like anything else I had done with her so it worked out great. Keep in mind if you use a public place to try to visit when the crowds are small. The Museum I used is a sleepy one so there were no issues with crowds. Another thing to keep in mind are rules. Some of the more picturesque places get up tight about photos. I have learned to be pretty inconspicuous while I work when I need to be. If you're concerned, call ahead and just ask if there are any rules or fees about shooting there. And never act like a professional. Then they really get strict. Just be the unassuming mom. It usually works well for me. And remember, you don't need a ton of architecture to make the photo great. You just need enough to fill up a small picture frame. There are options around every corner if you just look for it!

Nature Centers or woodland areas are always fun and they are more rustic than a normal park which is nice when the kids are all bundled up. They often have bodies of water (great for backgrounds) and paths and bridges for the kids to explore. Making your photo outing an adventure is one way to be sure the kids cooperate. Play, remember? It's always the key to success.

Public Gardens also always nice. They offer wonderful texture and interesting backgrounds for photos. Often more manicured they give a totally different vibe than other parks. These places often have the rule thing I mentioned so keep that in mind.

Another easy one is using your home. Sounds like that's what some of you have up your sleeves. The beauty there is that there is no travel time to consider. Plus you can shoot, shoot and shoot some more without a time limit. That's one pro. Another pro is that the kids are comfy at home. This unfortunately can also be the con. Some kids do better in new surroundings with something new to keep them distracted. But using "props" at home can help with that. How about decorating Gingerbread Men or wrapping/opening gifts?? These are holiday themes that have great potential. There are lots of other great comments from yesterday's post if you want more ideas. You moms are clever ladies! Gazing out the window is a classic holiday pose that can warm any heart. Window light is soft and lovely and profiles or semi profiles are always a hit.

Keep the comments coming everyone. I love getting tips and ideas from you all.

Next up, I'll talk about caption ideas to go along with some of this stuff. How to frame a shot in order to make it work for your photo, etc. My word, there's SOOOO much stuff to cover. I'm going to TRY to get all this info wrapped up by Thanksgiving so you have plenty of time to execute the perfect card for your family this year. Hmmm. I said I'd try.

Comments

[Dee Dee]

These tips are great. My biggest problem is actually getting both children in the shot together and both in focus (they are constantly moving) and looking normal. I get great pictures of them individually, just not so much together.

[Pam]

I love this stuff! I'm passing it on to all my friends and family. Any tips for pictures with a little one that can't sit up and a toddler? I'm having a hard time thinking of a nice way to get a picture of the two of them. We tried Christmas jammies in front of the fireplace last night and a couple of shots are usable, but wasn't really overly happy with anything I got.

[Stacy]

Outdoor locations are kinda hard this time of year for us since it is so cold out. If there were snow at least it would be picturesque, but with just naked trees and brown grass it doesn't look very festive or happy. I am an inside gal, so I'm doing the pictures in home. I have a "studio" (using this term very, very loosely) setup in my basement so we are going to play in front of a white or black backdrop. I'll see what works.

I do know that the most difficult part will be to get the kids to both look good and be in focus in the photo. I have learned to be pretty proficient at photoshop, so if they aren't touching, I can usually just meld two photos together. Just an idea for those with multiple children. That's what I did with my reject card.

[Stacy]

Pam, last year my kids were at that stage - one couldn't sit on her own and the other was a toddler. I put them in our big leather chair and gave them a Christmas book to "read". They both stayed contained in one spot. Then DH made goofy faces behind me and made them smile. The photo turned out pretty cute.

[Chris]

Dee Dee: you can always take different individual pictures and make a collage of pictures to put in your card. A couple of free programs have this: Picasa, a free download that is a great photo editing software and Microsoft Digital Imaging Suite 2006 which you can download for a free 60 day trial. They have a great collage tool. I've made them many times and then I upload them to Target or Walmart, etc, and have them printed for cards. Good luck! Here's the links:
http://picasa.google.com/
http://www.microsoft.com/products/imaging/FreeTrial.mspx
Here's an example(using Microsoft software):
http://hometown.aol.com/jeroldssis/sandiego.jpg
Good luck and have fun!

[Michelle]

I love the collage idea! We have an old train that is on display here in our town and they decorate it every year for Christmas. That may be a neat background for our picture this year. You have given me so many things to think about! :)

[Melody]

Oooooo! Getting good ideas from Tracey and commentors. We live in a forested mountain area and usually go for outdoor shots. But when younger a great shot was the boys seated on the window seat sharing a book...they were playing footsies with their barefeet hanging off the seat. I didn't suggest the footsie, it just happened.

I love Tracey's museum shoot and Chris's collage idea is somethinig I'm considering.

[Kelly Bera]

Our town has a "Walk through Bethlehem" event they do every year. If you are looking for something with a religious aspect, I've taken some really cool photos with some of the props they use (i.e. the manger, angels, shepherds w/ animals)

[Kari]

I did my whole shoot this afternoon. I was so inspired by your posts that I decided to not clean my house, cook dinner, or do any paid work. Instead, I chose to take my boys to the park! :)

It was slightly overcast today, which meant nobody else was at the park, but I had excellent light. The boys had a blast, and so did I... until they started rolling around in the mud.